Marilyn Horowitz and her Word of the Day: Transform Your Writing in 15 Minutes a Day
method have an intensity, brilliance, and originality that are disarming and delightful. They seed
the conditions for trust, creativity, and great finished work to emerge. When Marilyn tells you
you’re a writer, do your voice and the world a favor. Believe her.
Lisa S., Writer
Rather than bringing yet another set of theoretical tools to the table, she leads the student to the
living tools already within us.
Brad W., Writer
I’m very grateful to be able to learn from Marilyn, Her focus on the psychological and spiritual
foundations necessary to create was integral to my ability to produce a first draft. The tools and
structure she teaches made writing easier than I thought it could be!
Kellen G, Writer
When I was stuck at some plot point, Word of the Day helped me think more freely about other
possible paths. For a novice screenwriter like myself, who works alone, this became an
invaluable tool. Recently, when I revised my first script so I could write the words THE END
with confidence, I found that the process helped me like a spiritual muse.
Debra H., Writer
Marilyn is the queen of simplicity. Oh, writing is never simple and life doesn’t go on autopilot
once you hear her take on it, yet it will be something you won’t want to forget or lose. Now that
could be said of her classic 4 Magic Questions of Screenwriting, in WOTD she actually does
simplify a process. It’s a thinking tool, and I, even as her techniques’ most undisciplined user,
can testify to getting clues, unraveling deadlocks, and trusting oneself when an idea seems to
disconnect.
Sandeep G., Writer
Marilyn seems to understand each of her students’ artistic direction and supports them with that
knowledge. Her Word of the Day formula for storytelling is effective not only for figuring out
one’s writing, but for life’s direction, too. Thank you. If it hadn’t been for Marilyn, I don’t think
I would have made the Woodstock film which will be at the psychedelic film festival at the
Producer’s Club in November. I got it done.
Nancy C., Writer
For ten years (!) I was imprisoned with an idea that I had a deep passion for but felled by a lack
of confidence and living with a belief that I had no business trying to write a 120 page
screenplay. I felt the pain of that thorn in my side every single day…After 10 years of stress it
only took me 10 weeks to write. 152 pages! And it’s GOOD! I am proud of myself beyond
words.
Brian G., Writer
The Word of the Day Practice helps to clarify and distill my thinking; it encourages me to be
willing to voice what I really want (e.g., shift items from my “dreams” to my “goals/objectives”),
and it brings up interesting connections I wouldn’t have previously considered, necessarily. I
entered The Big Apple Film Festival and my screenplay was a quarter finalist. 🙂
Amy B., Writer
Thanks for your Word of the Day Practice. Don’t know why the critic comes into us so much.
For me, it’s when I’m almost done with a piece (composition). Now I know what it is and how to
keep it at bay.
Marlene S., Writer
Working with Marilyn Horowitz has challenged every aspect of my creative process from
conception to preparation, and most importantly, execution.
Larry L., Writer
One day my worlds collided. I have a part-time job in real estate, and my goal for this job is to increase the rankings of the various agents. It’s really difficult and tedious and takes a while. And I wrote in my beliefs cluster that I was going to get someone’s ranking up to the highest level that day, which wasn’t on the radar at all. And it happened. It was miraculous and shocking. I started a little bit later. It wasn’t a full two weeks, but things started to just dovetail and streamlined to where I wanted them. You see the before and after, like where things went off and even sometimes the pitfalls you just can’t really avoid. So, you have to know to work around it. But definitely the scripted day started becoming closer and closer to reality, like in baby steps.
Liz W., Writer
This has been fun for me because I wake up with words, then they bounce around in my head all day. I’m working on story and character even when I think I’m not, so the flow has been easier. This practice has led to me knocking out writing right away. Some days I rush a little, but it’s so interesting to see where the cluster leads and what a ball it is. I’m really enjoying it! I look forward to seeing where I’m at in two weeks.
Paula L., Writer
Feeling uneasy and anxious about world events has been affecting my work and personal life. One morning, I picked up my journal and the Word of the Day I chose was UNCERTAINTY. From this word flowed all kinds of negative words. But toward the end, my mindset began to change. Out of anxiety, anger, and frustration, new thoughts emerged, including new ideas; I learned to move out of my comfort zone, innovation, and opportunity. Now I am finding new ways to organize my time, increase my productivity, and focus more outward and not inward—and all from finding that the emotions and challenges from Uncertainty can be channeled into positive action and growth.
Beth P., Writer
Really wonderful, informative, and helpful webinar. You clearly are a talented teacher.
Stephen E., Writer
Today’s webinar was great! Perfect blend of theory and actionable advice. And good vibes!
Meera M., Writer